Category: book

Ever Dance With The Devil? 14 year-old Tajalik Stokes is a member of the 17th Street Serpents, a murderous gang in Chicago. After losing his brother to gang violence, Tajalik becomes defiant and violent in his own right. Nonetheless, Tajalik begins to wrestle with his pride when he is confronted with the gospel of Jesus Christ by his peculiar guidance counselor, Alfred Justice who tries to mentor him. Yet, Tajalik’s egotism and disobedience land him in a “Dante’s Inferno” experience at the gates of hell. Now, in agonizing pain, misery and regret, Tajalik finds himself in a realm of darkness trying to figure out answers as to how he got there. In this Author’s Cut of Affilaited, Champion weaves together the same elements from the previous edition, while streamlining the storyline to fully immerse the reader into the domain of the streets where good and evil are oftentimes hard to discern.

Teen and Young Adult

Date Published: August 2016

Enoch Zoles is an agnostic, egotistical, collegiate football star, primed to make millions of dollars as a professional football player. But a one-night stand with a seductive vixen leads to a downward spiral of devastating events, which cost him his reputation, his promising future, and his freedom. And, after experiencing an unexpected tragedy, Enoch wants nothing to do with the God his coach and mentors keep talking about. After repetitive visits to jail, he meets a mysterious inmate who challenges his humility, integrity, and faith—right down to the core of his spirit. But will it be enough to save him from a dreadful end?

Chayil Champion is a graduate of the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida where he double-majored in both English and Journalism while competing as a two-sport athlete in both football and track. After graduating from UM in 1998, Champion received his masters and doctorate degrees in education from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He embarked on a career in education as an English teacher and vice principal in South Florida’s Dade County and West Palm Beach County public school systems respectively before moving to Los Angeles, California in 2009.

A native from Evanston, Illinois, a suburb that borders Chicago’s north side, Champion developed a love for writing at a young age which carried well into his adult years. After penning his first book in 2009 upon his arrival to Los Angeles, Champion has gone on to write five more books, which include the Young Adult fiction novels, Affiliatedand Going Pro, both from The Lost Souls literary series. Champion also wrote Exiting The Wilderness and But He Said He Was A Christian, two nonfiction Christian self-help books. His latest book, Majesties of Canaan: The Goliath Project is a Young Adult, super hero novel. It is the first book of many within the Majesties of Canaan Superhero Series and the second book of The Dark Spores Series where Champion has partnered with best-selling authors Keshawn Dodds and Braxton Cosby to form the new superhero universe and to collaboratively pen the upcoming superhero novel Infinity 7 due in early 2017.

Outside of his love for writing, Champion, runs his own education consulting company in Los Angeles where he continues to teach and tutor students. In his free time, Champion focuses on fitness as he is a gym rat, frequents movies, and enjoys spending time with his daughter Vanessa.

Tajalik looked around in the dark void of where he stood, and saw the silhouette of more souls walking around him. Their faces were disfigured, too. He heard their weeping and moaning. Then, like them, he cried in misery and torment.

“William, what happens next? Is this it? We’re here forever, huh?”

“No, this is only the beginning, Stokes. Our affliction will get much worse. For an eternity we-”

Loud screeching, screams suddenly interrupted William. Tajalik and the others, held their hands over their ears to block out the sounds that became intolerable. The noise only added to the burden of the souls. All of the afflicted began to run. Tajalik saw William turn and sprint, followed by the countless others that ran from the sounds. Tajalik tried his best to stay close to William. The screams seemed to get closer as Tajalik caught up to William. The two sprinted with thousands of others running away from the abominable noise following behind them. The screams of souls, echoed throughout the darkness, running from the predators who were seeking to destroy them.

The two veered down another dark path. On both sides of them were barren trees. It was so dark; the two were vaguely able to see in front of them. They continued to run as they heard the screams of other souls being picked off and tortured, by whatever creatures captured them. Tajalik looked through the forest. Alongside the path, he thought he saw a hill. He was only able to make it out because of its height in the background; which towered over the trees. Suddenly he felt inclined to veer off the path. Everyone running behind him seemed to be getting intercepted by their attackers. It made sense to take the road less traveled. He turned and ran through the forest of barren trees; leaving William to his own fate. He continued to hear the cries of the other souls. It was unbearable. Tajalik worked his way towards the hill; through the trees and thickets. As he ran, he heard himself getting farther and farther away from the screams. He stumbled and even ran head first into some branches that were unseen in the darkness. It still did not stop him. Finally, he came to the forest’s end.

He was standing in a small field, just a few yards from the base of the hill. He heard more branches rustling. He continued to run again, fearing he was being chased by the creatures that terrorized the dark. A figure emerged, running through the trees. Tajalik continued to sprint towards the hill, as he got closer he spotted a crevice at the base. It looked like a cave. With nowhere else to run, he headed straight inside. He stopped in dead in his tracks at the sight of a group of boys staring at him through black hoods. Tajalik became faint with fear. These were the boys that he saw in his dream; following him down the long dark road. Their unsettling stare terrified Tajalik even more. The figure that had been running behind Tajalik now stood at the opening at the bottom of the hill.

“Who are you?” asked the figure.

“Tajalik.”

“You’re new, huh?”

“What were those things?” Tajalik asked as he backed himself against a side of the cave wall, where he could keep an eye on the figure and the group of boys.

“It’s part of our sentence. Just don’t get caught. If you do, it makes your after-life that much worse.”

“What the hell are you talking about, man?”

“Hell is precisely what I’m talking about; Tajalik…Hell is precisely what I’m talking about…” The figure entered the cave finally and began to approach Tajalik.

“…But the children of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness: there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew chapter eight, verse twelve. I bet you wish you believed now. Don’t you?”

Tajalik looked at the figure as the figure slowly approached him. Tajalik was baffled. It was another young boy in a hood. He nodded towards the other boys.

“We’re all lost souls, man. I’m Lavelle. I grew up in church. Had a mother and a grandmother who prayed for me consistently. They made me go to church regularly, even had me memorize scriptures from the Word. I had mentors who were constantly around me, telling me what to do and what not to do. I didn’t listen. I bucked authority because I loved the street life. I made the choice to not listen to the information, not to listen to the truth that was given to me. That’s the one thing that separates us that dwell here and those that dwell in paradise. That’s the key; Jesus Christ and the choices we make in life. I chose to rebuke the information. So here I stand.”

“So what do we do?” asked Tajalik in intense trepidation.

“We run and hide, Tajalik. It’s only a matter of time before they come through those woods to seek us out. They know this side of the gulf inside and out.”

Her long blond hair was pulled up in sexy disarray that left curls tumbling to her nape and loose, silky tendrils at her temples and neck. Her grayish-hazel irises were enhanced by smoky eyeshadow. She had perfectly sculpted brows and high cheekbones that usually held a bronze glow but which had flushed from the brisk weather—or the sight of him.

Nick’s gaze fell to her mouth. To the glossy lips he’d give his entire fortune to kiss again.

Anna Voss was the most beautiful woman he’d ever known. Would ever know.

Standing mere inches from her did crazy-wicked things to him. Gut-clenching, groin-tightening things. So, too, did her feisty nature.

She folded her arms over her chest. In the velvety voice that had haunted him for well over a decade, she quietly demanded, “Speak, Nick.”

She was pissed. He could see it in her eyes.

That ratcheted his internal heat. She had a fiery temper. It made him even hotter for her.

“Give me a minute to catch my breath, honey.”

Anna gaped.

“What the hell did you expect?” he asked in a low, intimate tone that had excitement flaring in her eyes.

“I take one look at you and you knock the wind right out of me.” He stepped closer to her as he yanked off one of his black leather gloves and swept his fingers along her jaw. “Jesus. You are so damn pretty.”

“Nick.”

“I didn’t think you could possibly be more sensational than in my memory. The image I’ve always had of you tangled in my sheets, your hair spilling over the pillow, a bewitching smile on your face. The most alluring angel to ever grace this earth.”

“I was anything but angelic when I was in your bed.”

BOOK INFORMATION:

Get 5 All-New, Never-Before-Published Holiday Romances for .99¢!

Holiday Heat: The Men of Starlight Bend is now LIVE and features stories by Jennifer Ashley, Erin Quinn, Calista Fox, Mary Leo, and Jennifer Probst!

Starlight Bend is a cozy Montana town nestled between glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains. This Christmas, holiday magic is in the air and wishes can come true–all it takes is believing. Visit us in Starlight Bend and meet five sexy, heartwarming heroes and the women who steal their hearts…

Snowbound in Starlight Bend ~ Jennifer Ashley

Haley McKee is furious to find herself stuck in the tiny town of Starlight Bend so near Christmas, helped out by the handsome Maddox Campbell, a cowboy who’s not impressed with her fancy job titles and parents’ money. In fact, no one has given her this much crap her entire life. But there’s a lot more to Maddox than at first seems–he’s a hard-working man who gives much of his time and patience to help those who have little. When a spark of Christmas magic promises Haley all she wants, will she make her wish with her head or her heart?

The Long Gone Girl of Starlight Bend ~ Erin Quinn

Kari has big plans that are about to pay off, and she doesn’t have time for tall, dark, and amazing Ty Timberlake. Ty knows he’s in trouble as soon as he meets smart, beautiful Kari. He understands her goals, but knows the rat race won’t make her happy. Kari is hell-bent on making her mark and moving onto the next challenge; Ty is determined to win her love and make her stay. As Christmas approaches, Kari begins to question what she wants. Should she stick to her plan and be long gone by the New Year, or choose the man who’s stolen her heart?

His Angel of Starlight Bend ~ Calista Fox

Anna Voss and Nick Hoffman are Starlight Bend’s star-crossed lovers. They were inseparable growing up, but destined for different paths. They haven’t seen each other in over a decade, but this Christmas, Nick returns home—with some startling surprises that turn Anna’s world upside down.

Love and desire have always burned bright between these two, but they’re both haunted by the past. Yet there’s a mystical entity working in their favor this time around—if they can open their hearts and minds to a destiny rewritten, with the help of family and a little holiday magic…

Ropin’ the Lone Cowboy of Starlight Bend ~ Mary Leo

Jolie Shepherd didn’t want to spend Christmas alone. So when she accepts an open invitation for a visit to Starlight Bend, Montana from her best friend, Jolie expects to pass most of the holiday season holed up inside a rustic cabin, not playing cowgirl with quite possibly the most adorable cowboy in the entire state. Red Weisman is a man who prefers to ride alone . . . that is until he meets Jolie Shepherd. Once they team up to grant a Christmas wish for a needy child, something magical happens between them. Now all they have to do is believe . . . but can they?

The Grinch of Starlight Bend ~ Jennifer Probst

Noah used to be a beloved member of the Starlight Bend community, until a tragedy turns to betrayal and drives him into solitude. His face horribly scarred, he retreats to his mountain top mansion—until a stubborn social worker asks for a Christmas wish to help a sick child. He never expects to fall for the spitfire, do-gooder, but when she offers love as the solution, can he let go of the past? When Josephine convinces Noah to host a Winter Carnival, she’s intrigued by the fascinating man hiding a bruised heart. But will her love be enough for him to take a chance on a brand new future?

Today we are celebrating the release of THE LOST CODEX by Heather Lyons. This is the 4th, and final, book in The Collectors’ Society series. Be sure to check out the buy links below for it and the previous books in the series.

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Heather Lyons is known for writing epic, heartfelt love stories often with a fantastical twist. From Young Adult to New Adult to Adult novels—one commonality in all her books is the touching, and sometimes heart-wrenching, romance. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. She and her husband and children live in sunny Southern California and are currently working their way through every cupcakery she can find.

A bittersweet review for the Collector’s Society series, thank you to InkslingerPR for this wonderful journey and opportunity. Alice and Finn’s battle is far from over, with Wonderland in threat, stakes are higher than before.

Even though this is the last book of the series, it does not feel rushed. Heather Lyons had built everything to this moment, and bringing it down gently after an exciting climax. I definitely would love to read about The Queen of Heart’s story as separate, she does have an interesting background.

As Alice and Finn tries to save their world, their story from being erased completely, things get hairy as their enemies are stronger than they are. We know about the Piper, we know about the Thirteenth Witch, what we didn’t know is why the Queen of Hearts liaised herself with them.

And finally

Suspense! Mysteries finally solved! If you are interested in reading this book, you would have to start with the Collector’s Society, the first book that takes you on this really psychedelic journey. If you love books, this series is definitely for you,

Gosh, which villain next for the Collector’s Society?

There are so many candidates! Such as Lannister family, Voldmort is dead so he doesn’t count (I would say the Malfroys though). how about that Elf Queen in Sarah Maas’s series huh? if I have to really pick one, probably be Lemony Snicket, if he is still alive, I cannot remember.

Dastardly, devious and downright funny, I think Mr. Snicket would provide some mind brain challenge for the society.

Demon King: Demon Kingdom Fairy Tales Book Two (Volume 2)
Author: Kassandra Lynn
Series: Demon Kingdom Fairy Tales
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (January 17, 2016)
ISBN-13: 978-1523450299
Synopsis: Adriana has returned to her kingdom and ascended the throne as the rightful Demon King. However, she finds her home on the brink of war. Heartbroken and drained from a forbidden love, Adriana must find a way to assume her responsibilities, stop a war, and somehow unravel the family secrets that threaten to destroy her world. It’s a tremendous feat, but one she may be destined for.

Firewalker (The Worldwalker Trilogy) Author: Josephine Angelini Series: The Worldwalker Trilogy (Book 2) Publisher: Feiwel & Friends ISBN-13: 978-1250050908 Cover and Link from Amazon Synopsis from Amazon: I’m a Witch and Witches burn. Lily is back in her own universe, and she’s ready to relax with Rowan. True, she almost died in the Pyre that fueled their escape, and must hide her magic for the safety of the world, but compared to fighting the monstrous Woven and leading armies in the alternate Salem, life is looking good. You think I’m a monster, but my choices, as ruthless as they seem, are justified. Unfortunately, Lillian, ruthless ruler of the 13 Cities, is not willing to let Lily go that easily. If she can’t persuade Lily to return to her world, she’ll have to find a way to make her come back. Picking up right where Trial By Fire left off…

Lily is back in her world with Rowan. Her own sister Juliette and mother Samantha arrived just in time to help badly burned Lily and Rowan, return home. It did not take long for Lily to recover and convince her sister that Rowan was from a different dimension.

In her world, Rowan finds many fascinating things in this new world, while Lily struggles return to normality. Without telling Rowan, Lily and Lilian from the other world had been conversing due to their bond. Lilian tries to convince Lily that what she had done and going to do was right for the world that she loves. Their mind sharing has allowed Lily to realize what Lilian had went through and her motive.

With Rowan insisting to return to his own world to save his friends from Lilian’s evil clutches, Lily has no choice but to follow, this time with companions. Arm with information from Lilian and part of her memories, Lily makes a hard decision, and she is not sure about the outcome, but it was better than her other options.

In book two of the series, some answers are revealed as another question surfaces. What are the woven exactly? Back in Rowan’s world, Lily refuses to walk the paths set for her, choosing instead to forge a new one. Exciting times ahead, I am enjoying this series a lot. There are a lot of elements that make this series interesting and unique, even Lily seems to have some internal battle with her conscience and her dream. Definitely worth reading, can’t wait for book 3.

Parenting with Wisdom and Compassion: Bring Out the Best in Your Family Author: Dr Ilene Val-Essen Synopsis from author: Dr. Val-Essen invites parents to enter a new paradigm of parenting that can dramatically improve the way they relate to their children. A Six-Step Process supports readers to realize this vision in their own families. Val-Essen presents insights, principles, and skills that inspire and guide parents to expand their minds and open their hearts. As they gain a deeper understanding of their children and themselves, parents are able to express wisdom and compassion even when buttons are pushed and fear takes center stage. Val Essen, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has been passionately serving parents for decades, explains how to transform painful conflicts into opportunities for growth. In this practical guide, she presents proven tools for conscious parenting to help children and parents flourish. Family life becomes deeply rewarding. Val-Essen is also the author of the award-winning book, Bring Out the Best in Your Child and Your Self: Creating a Family Based on Mutual Respect.

I have to say that I have been very lucky so far, first I get books about writing when I was doing Nanowrimo, and suddenly this book came out of the blue from the very kind author: Ilene Van Essen, offering me an insight of how things can be different in my relationship with my 3 year old, Prince Brat.

The timing could not be more awesome, because when she approached me, I just found out that I am 8 weeks along, Prince Brat is going to be a big brother! Hence my lack of blogging comments lately, I’m sorry if I seem a little distant with you guys, morning sickness has been a real… nasty case.

What is so special about this parenting book? It is not really a parenting book, it is a book about developing good relationship between you and a child, basically if you are teacher, it would work just as well. But since parents are the ones who struggle everyday to communicate and achieve some sort of milestone, and get some balance.

Ilene’s six steps process is reasonable, to me, and I do admit that it would take practice before I am proficient in her steps, but it is helpful, useful even to try some of the things she had suggested. Granted, each kid is different and they would react differently, and there is no secret formula to raising good children (or is there?)

We all know that there is no single manual that works for every household, but I think this book is worth a read and ponder. The values are certainly valid and since it is in line with my personal beliefs I would definitely put into action what Ilene suggests. I like how her book offers helpful examples and positive thoughts rather than focusing on bad behavior and try to find ways to counter it.

A fascinating book for parents to try out, definitely would recommend it for those who wants to have a read at it.

Deep Blue (A Waterfire Saga Novel) Author: Jennifer Donnelly Series: A Waterfire Saga 1 Publisher: Disney-Hyperion ISBN-13: 978-1423133162 Cover and Link from Amazon Synopsis from Amazon: When Serafina, a mermaid of the Mediterranean Sea, awakens on the morning of her betrothal, her biggest worry should be winning the love of handsome Prince Mahdi. And yet Sera finds herself haunted by strange dreams that foretell the return of an ancient evil. Her dark premonitions are confirmed when an assassin’s arrow poisons Sera’s mother. Now, Serafina must embark on a quest to find the assassin’s master and prevent a war between the Mer nations. Led only by her shadowy dreams, Sera searches for five other mermaid heroines who are scattered across the six seas. Together, they will form an unbreakable bond of sisterhood and uncover a conspiracy that threatens their world’s very existence.

cover from library

A bit sad that most covers are similar, but I guess it is a lot easier to reuse the cover if there is nothing wrong with it. Deep Blue is the first book of a adventure story of the mermaid Serafina, Princess of Merrow, the star of the show with other mermaids. I am a little bit disappointed with the fact that six mermaids were all females, it would have been more realistic to have a mix.

According to Iele legends, six mermaids would have to find their talismans and send some ancient evil back to the depths. Serafina’s journey begins when her home was attacked on her engagement day with Prince Mahdi. With her best friend Neela, who is coincidentally another mermaid on the list of six, they swim to safety and to find answers from the ones who foretold the prophecy.

This is a book that is aimed for younger readers, hence events are written to capture the focus of young people with actions and moral lessons that can be used for later discussion. For those seasoned readers, I can be mean and comment that this book is fast paced but lacked structure and depth compare to others. But that would be harsh as this isn’t really for an adult audience.

As Serafina finds the rest of the mermaids tied to the story, they arrive at the Iele for answers, but they ain’t really getting one that they like. Now the adventure begins, I am still waiting for book two of the series before I comment on how readable this series is.

Perfect for young girls who likes mermaids, although guys might find it boring with girl mermaid swimming around looking lost, although it does have a good dose of action and fighting.

Devoured (The Hunger Book 1)Author: Jason Brant Series: The Hunger Book 1 ASIN: B00DPK3D0G Genre: pre- apocalyptic, zombies/ vamppires, action Cover and Link from AmazonSynopsis from Amazon: Day One: A series of terrorist attacks spread a cloud of noxious gas over highly populated areas. Day Two: Higher brain function erodes in those exposed to the gas. Their bodies begin to distort, faces distending, skin sallowing, teeth elongating. Day Three: The infected disappear into the shadows, fleeing the harsh daylight which has begun to sear their flesh. Day Four: The world is DEVOURED.Life isn’t kind to Lance York. A full-time job has eluded him for years, his wife loathes the sight of him, his bank accounts are empty, and his wealthy father-in-law revels in his failures. After he lunges in front of a car to save a sick and disoriented woman, Lance awakens in a quarantined hospital. A devastating plague is spreading worldwide, driving those infected with it insane. Their bodies begin to mutate into horrors that have haunted mankind’s nightmares for centuries. The world descends into chaos as the infected flee to the shadows, emerging at night to devour the remnants of civilization. With the help of an unlikely ally, Lance must navigate through the collapsing city of Pittsburgh, striving to escape the madness of the apocalypse that unfolds around them.

I was recommended to read this by a few book bloggers and gave it a go, since it was free on Kindle. The story was a little slow at the start, with Lance York being the protagonist who is not having a good run in his life. Well, things get from bad to worse when he was quarantined in hospital with a mutating woman.

With nothing more than survival instincts and a inquisitive mind, Lance tries to escape Pittsburgh. Life after those mutated beings come to life was not pretty or easy, people start to turn on each other, it was everyone for himself. It was just as well that he met an ally, a girl who was also bent on staying alive.

Together, they made their way towards a safety zone, only to find it also in danger of collapsing. Devoured is a sci-fi sort of book, even though it features flesh/ blood eating brainless beings that was afraid of UV. A good touch to say that it was gruesome to combine two mythical things into one, and making them practically invincible.

Devoured is a good start for those action buffs who wants to read gore and human’s desire to stay alive. Lance York might not be your usual hero, but in a land where it is every man for himself, he is the epitome of a good guy who would prevail, I hope.

In the past, we made a terrible mistake by creating a new species we thought would serve us as our army, which led to our downfall.

There was a war, we lost, and many lives were massacred. It was the end of life as we knew it and the beginning of a hell we were now trapped in. We became enslaved to what we now called Superiors, becoming pets to them, simply there to entertain.

In a world so miserable, I managed to do the unthinkable: I fell in love. But even that was doomed, because to love a Superior was forbidden.

What the rest of the Superiors didn’t know was how deeply a human could love or how resilient we became when we were hurt.

The Superiors never could have imagined an uprising, which was why they never saw it coming.

Humans deserved to be free, and I would stop at nothing to deliver that promise.

My name is Tilly, and I am still alive with one sole purpose: to begin a revolution.

~

I had been raised to believe humans were worthless. We owned them and controlled them, and when we were done with them, we threw them away. Therefore, I never thought I would ever feel more for Tilly than disinterest. I never expected to want to save her.

It was forbidden for a Superior to love a human. No one had ever crossed that line, but I did. I fell madly in love with her, so it was no surprise how we ended up.

I was raised to be a soldier, and that was what I was always going to be. However, I was not a soldier for the Superiors, not anymore.

I became a soldier for humans, and I would stop at nothing to help them. They deserved to be free, and I would die protecting them.

My name is Johnny, and I am here with one sole purpose: to finish a revolution.

Jessica Frances is an avid reader and writer, spending most of her free time doing both. She loves delving into the paranormal world and taking a break from real life as much as possible.

I love reading dystopians for a few reasons: the story plot, the characters and the odds the heroes face to become a true hero. There is a certain charm to that theme, it never gets old. That was the main reason why I wanted to read Revolution, because someone had stuffed up somewhere and humans suddenly found themselves at the bottom of the food chain.

Enter Tilly the main heroine of the story, and her counterpart hero Johnny. Both fight for freedom, although the word means differently to both people. Their struggle is like up Mount Everest, while the odds are stacked against them from the start.

But Revolution is nothing without friends and those who fight for what they believe in, even if their enemies are Superior and they are more likely to lose than emerge victorious. We all would vote for the underdogs, because they are humans and they have never-ending hope and courage, right?

Revolution might have the same old plot, David versus Goliath, but Tilly and Johnny’s story deserves to be heard, almost like Romeo and Juliet (almost). In the end, I was satisfied with the outcome, and trust that you would find it awesome too.